Meerut Snake Murder Case: Wife, Alleged Lover Arrested After Police Claim 'Snake Bite Death' Was Planned Murder

Police allege the victim was drugged before a venomous snake was released into his bed. The investigation has led to the arrest of four accused.

A shocking murder case from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has taken an unexpected turn after police claimed that what initially appeared to be an accidental snakebite death was actually a premeditated murder. According to investigators, the victim's wife, along with her alleged lover and two others, conspired to kill him by allegedly using a venomous snake.

The accused have been arrested, and the case is currently under investigation.

Death Initially Believed to Be a Snakebite Accident

The deceased, Atul Panwar (35), lived with his wife in the Hastinapur area of Meerut, where the couple reportedly operated a private school. The two had married in 2019.

According to the initial account, Atul's wife informed family members that he had been bitten by a snake while sleeping. He was rushed to a local health centre, where doctors declared him dead.

Since a snake was reportedly found inside the room, the incident was initially treated as a tragic accident.

Police Investigation Raised Suspicion

The case took a dramatic turn after the victim's family expressed doubts about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Police said inconsistencies in the incident prompted a detailed investigation. Technical evidence, digital records, and forensic examination reportedly led investigators to suspect foul play.

Officials also stated that the behaviour described in the incident did not fully match typical snakebite cases, leading them to probe further.

Alleged Conspiracy Revealed During Investigation

According to the police, examination of the wife's mobile phone revealed frequent communication with the school's driver, who is alleged to have been in a relationship with her.

Investigators claim that during questioning, the accused confessed to planning the murder.

Police allege that:

• The victim was first given an overdose of sleeping pills mixed in milk.

• A venomous snake was allegedly procured with the help of two snake handlers.

• The snake was then allegedly released into the victim's bedding while he was unconscious.

• The following morning, the wife allegedly raised an alarm claiming her husband had died from a snakebite.

These allegations are part of the police investigation and are yet to be tested in court.

Insurance Money Allegedly a Motive

Police further claim that financial gain may have been one of the motives behind the crime.

According to investigators, the victim had an insurance policy worth around ₹20 lakh. Police allege the accused planned to claim the insurance amount after his death and that a portion of the money was allegedly promised to other individuals involved in the conspiracy.

The motive remains part of the ongoing investigation.

Previous Attempt Also Under Investigation

Investigators have also alleged that there had been an earlier attempt on the victim's life around 20 days before the incident.

According to police, the victim allegedly survived after being hit by a vehicle because he was wearing a helmet. Officers are examining whether that incident was connected to the present case.

Four Arrested

Police have arrested four people in connection with the case:

• The victim's wife

• Her alleged lover

• Two other accused allegedly involved in arranging the snake

The accused have been taken into custody and are expected to be produced before the appropriate court.

Investigation Continues

The Meerut snake death case has attracted widespread attention because of the unusual method allegedly used to carry out the crime.

At this stage, the police have presented their version based on the investigation. The allegations against the accused are subject to judicial proceedings, and their guilt will be determined by the court after due legal process.